by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: August 23, 2010

When you are looking for somewhere to getaway for a weekend, Paris is an amazing choice. Paris is for lovers of all ages. You can choose a weekend any time of the year and still find the same warmth and ambiance. Whether your idea of a getaway is to stroll along the Seine, enjoying the wonders of the Louvre or soaking up the atmosphere at a bistro, you are sure to find just the perfect time to enjoy the 'City of Light".

Getting there

Paris is served by two airports, Roissy/Charles de Gaulle is located 17 miles north of  the city and Orly is located about 12 miles south of Paris. There are a wide variety of transportation options available to get you from either airport into Paris. Buses are the least expensive and taxis and limos are the most expensive. Trains from all over Europe arrive at Paris' six train stations and the Eurostar from England arrives and departs from the Gare du Nord. You can also drive if you are very brave but keep in mind that parking is a nightmare.

Where to stay

Depending on what you plan to do during your weekend, there are many neighborhoods that offer wonderful small hotels. One that is quite nice is the Queen Mary Hotel located on the right bank between the Madeleine and the Opera. If you are looking for a charming  and luxurious boutique  hotel on the left bank, the Villa d'estrees Hotel fits the bill perfectly. There are hundreds of choices, your budget will be the determining factor. If price is no object, the Four Seasons George V is a top rated luxury hotel within steps of the Champs Elysees.  

Where to eat

One thing you can be sure of, there will be many excellent choices of places to dine. You can choose a very swanky bistro or a warm and cozy creperie. There is a Hard Rock Cafe in Montmarte for the diehards as well as a TGI Fridays. If you are unsure ask anyone at your hotel their favorite place to eat, it is hard to get a bad meal in Paris.

Step 4

Getting around

Paris is a city that encourages walking. The subway is also easy and fast and will whisk you from one district to another. Purchase a carnet of tickets,  if you plan to use the subway,. This is a book of ten tickets that saves you 27% over the cost of ten individual tickets.  One unique way to see Paris is to take a ride in a bateau mouche on the River Seine. Especially at night, the city really sparkles. If you are patient enough to wait in line at the Eiffel Tower you will be rewarded with stellar views of the city.

What to do

You could spend your entire weekend just touring through the Louvre, it is huge. If you are a fan of Impressionist art then the D'Orsay is another art museum that will just blow you away. Notre Dame is a must visit for its wonderful facade and its rose window. There are several other historic churches that are worth a stop including St Germaine Auxerois and Sacre Coeur. If you are more of a small museum person the Jacquemart Andre Museum on Boulevard Hausmann is a real gem.

Shopping

Paris is the perfect place to window shop and also to hit the large department stores. For a taste of the good life, walk along the Rue de Rivoli and enjoy all the designer names. If you want a taste of reality hit Le Printemps. Le Bon Marche or the Galleries Lafayette. Even in the large department stores the fashions are cutting edge and well worth looking at and buying.

You will return

A weekend in Paris is only enough to whet your appetite. You will feel the urge to return again and again. Paris is easy to fall in love with and as a matter of fact, a wonderful place to visit with the one you love.

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